Friday, February 13, 2015

Construction projects to enhance campus traffic flow

South Entrance after the installation of a new traffic signal
South Entrance after the installation of a new traffic signal
The University is planning a number of infrastructure projects that will provide long-term benefits for vehicular and pedestrian flow. Several construction initiatives will begin in the coming weeks and months and will add or enhance roadways, sidewalks, bike lanes and ADA access.
Some project timelines will overlap causing traffic congestion in different areas; however, the ultimate goal is to make the campus more fluid for vehicles and pedestrians. The University is overseeing these projects carefully, with a targeted ending date for all projects by August 2015.
The Facilities Management Department will serve as the single point of contact for all projects, whether managed by the N.C. Department of Transportation or the Facilities Management Department itself. 
“UNC Charlotte is a beautiful campus of distinction. As enrollment and on-campus residency grows, and as the campus becomes more densely built, these construction measures will ensure that campus remains a pleasure to visit and a great place to live,” said Phil Jones, associate vice chancellor for facilities management.
Upcoming projects are:
N.C. Hwy 49 and Cameron Boulevard
One project is being coordinated by the N.C. Department of Transportation, focusing on the intersection at University City Boulevard (N.C. Hwy 49) and Cameron Boulevard, also known as the campus’ South Entrance.
A traffic signal is slated for the South Entrance intersection, which will improve entering/exiting the campus at this location. Construction is expected to begin in mid-February with a targeted completion date of August 2015. 
Access to Cameron Boulevard from Hwy 49 will remain, but drivers should stay alert as there will be the potential for congestion, and work will require one-lane closures intermittently with flagmen directing traffic.
Cameron Boulevard to Alumni Way
Along Cameron Boulevard, near the Hwy 49 intersection at South Entrance, the University’s Facilities Management Department will continue the NCDOT project by supervising its widening to Alumni Way. Bike lanes and sidewalks will be added, along with new street lights.  
W.T. Harris Boulevard and Alumni Way
During this same time period, work will begin to add a left turn lane for traffic to enter campus from W.T. Harris Boulevard onto Alumni Way.
Phillips Road Work and New Intersection at Cameron Boulevard
Construction continues on Phillips Road, with a new intersection to be created where Phillips Road meets Cameron Boulevard near the tennis complex. A traffic signal is planned, along with a widened roadway, bike lanes and ADA-compliant pathways to the tennis courts.  
Craver Road, near Cameron Boulevard
Two bus stops/pull offs will be added on Craver Road as to not block traffic near the intersection of Cameron Boulevard, along with sidewalk replacements/additions and bike lanes.
Cameron Boulevard and Mary Alexander
A traffic signal is slated for the intersection of Cameron Boulevard and Mary Alexander, also with bike lanes.
Mary Alexander Blvd. corridor
Two other bus stops/pull offs will be added on Mary Alexander Blvd as to not block traffic, along with sidewalk replacements/additions and bike lanes.